Leopardseals.org research assistant Giverny Forbes, of Dunedin, says due to three spots on his face ''kind of like a star constellation'', the individual was relatively easy to identify. And because the animal had shown a preference for the harbour as ''his haul-out spot'' he could well return again.
''I think as long as he is in the area, you're likely to see him turn up there again,'' Miss Forbes said.
''Sometimes we're not lucky enough to see the same individual multiple times over such a long period of time, so it's really interesting for our research as well.
''Leopard seals are such variable feeders, they can feed on anything they like, and there's obviously enough food around Oamaru to support the shags, and the seals, and the penguins, that live there already, so he'll be able to exploit those food sources - as well as the shags and penguins ... possibly.''
